A political tremor rocked West Seme on Monday as newcomers decisively ousted longtime allies of area Member of Parliament Dr. James Wambura Nyikal during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots elections. The sweeping changes were seen as a clear call for new leadership in the constituency.
In what observers described as a seismic shift in local politics, Omollo James Odhiambo, popularly known as Nyadong, defeated Okiri—a close aide in Dr. Nyikal’s office—to clinch the chairmanship of the ODM in West Seme ward. Delegates and voters who spoke to the press described the outcome as a victory for democracy and a resounding rejection of political complacency.
“The people have spoken,” one delegate stated. “The seat does not belong to one person. Today, we voted for change.”
The elections kicked off at 8:00 a.m. and covered youth, women, and persons with disabilities. According to local officials, consensus was reached peacefully for most positions. However, a dispute over the chairmanship initially disrupted proceedings. The situation was later resolved after discussions with returning officers, allowing voting to resume in over 20 polling stations without incident.
Other officials elected in West Seme include Alego Patricia Ofula as Secretary, Odak Benson Ochieng as Organizing Secretary, and Ombewa Simon Otieno as Treasurer.
In East Seme, Erick Mitto emerged as the new ODM ward chairman after a dramatic standoff. Electoral officials had reportedly abandoned the process citing insecurity, but were persuaded to return under enhanced security arrangements.
“The officials wanted the former chairman to retain the seat, but people opposed. We brought them back under security, and voting went on peacefully,” Mitto said.
East Seme MCA Seth Okumu lauded the peaceful outcome and urged other counties to emulate the calm and cohesion witnessed during the polls.
“An election is not a matter of life and death. Let peace prevail across the board,” he said. Okumu, who was elected as a delegate, will participate in the sub-county level elections scheduled for April 9.
Despite the calm in Seme, violent scenes were reported in Nyakach and parts of Homa Bay, where grassroots elections descended into chaos. In one harrowing incident, a participant’s hand was chopped off, while several others sustained deep panga cuts and were rushed to hospital.
The contrast between Seme’s peaceful polls and the violence elsewhere underscores the fragile state of grassroots democracy in the region, as ODM continues its internal restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
